Abstract: A high-density hollow weave fabric for an air bag is provided, wherein an inflatable double-layer hollow weave portion is encircled on the outer periphery thereof with a seam zone including a reversible figured weave pattern and a basket weave pattern. In the seam zone, the reversible figured weave pattern is closest to the boundary of the inflatable double-layer hollow weave portion, and a first weave portion including the basket weave pattern, a narrow width hollow weave portion and a second basket weave patterns continue in this order. The inventive fabric is woven without the generation of fluffs and wrinkles, and the wrinkle-free coating is provided in the boundary between the double-layer hollow weave portion and the seam zone encircling the former. By using this high-density hollow weave fabric, it is possible to make the curtain-shaped air bag deployable at a high speed while preventing gas from leaking.

Abstract: An airbag assembly includes an airbag and a system provided in contact with at least a portion of the airbag that includes a first member and a second member. The second member at least partially overlaps the first member and is held in contact during initial deployment of the airbag with the first member by a frictional force between the first member and the second member. The system is configured to cause the airbag to inflate laterally with respect to a vehicle occupant until the frictional force is overcome by inflation of the airbag.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a body frame structure of a straddle-type four wheeled vehicle having a lightweight and a high rigidity. The body frame structure comprising, a pair of right and left upper frame member, a pair of right and left lower frame members; a front frame member; and a pair of right and left bracket members connecting rear ends of the upper frame members and rear ends of the lower frame members, wherein the upper frame members, the lower frame members, the front frame member and the bracket members are made of aluminum or alloy including aluminum.

Abstract: A trailer having a reduced weight beam construction. A beam assembly for an undercarriage frame of a trailer includes at least one panel having opposing outer shells and multiple internal webs interconnecting the outer shells. A trailer includes a bed, a tractor connection, a suspension assembly and a single beam assembly supporting the bed and extending between the suspension assembly and the tractor connection.

Abstract: Threaded connections whereby off-center axial alignment of connected components is maintained, and methods of forming same, are provided. In one embodiment, threads on one connection component are timed to match the timing of the threads on the other connection component. The one component has a connection sleeve screwed thereon. Once the one component and the other component are mated in the desired axial alignment and such that the threads on each join to form a continuous, unbroken thread, the connection sleeve is screwed onto the other component to form the threaded connection.

Abstract: A fitting for connecting pipes and, in particular, fittings made of plastic and, even more particularly, fittings for connecting PEX or composite pipes, is disclosed. The fitting is used in conjunction with crimp rings which are positioned over the connected pipe either adjacent to, or abutting against, stopper rings on the fitting and adjacent to the end of the pipe.

Abstract: A tubular fitting for connecting electrical conduit has opposite male and female end portions. The male end portion has a cylindrical outer surface with a pair of axially-spaced projections extending outwardly therefrom and is receivable in an existing electrical nonmetallic tubing socket. The female end portion has a schedule 40 socket therein for receiving a schedule 40 solvent cement conduit of the same trade size as the trade size of the electrical nonmetallic tube that is receivable in the existing electrical nonmetallic tubing socket.

Abstract: This invention relates to fittings for connection of pipes. In particular this invention involves a fitting receptacle which fits over a fitting. The fitting receptacle fits over universal and standard fittings and can receive pipe to make a connection between an existing fitting and pipe. The invention also involves a method of installing the fitting receptacle over an existing fitting.

Abstract: Coupling structures for tubing are disclosed. Particularly, caps configured for receiving one or more tube segments therein, and securing the tube segments to a component having protrusions thereon including bores therethrough in a fluid-tight manner are disclosed. The caps may have bores longitudinally therethrough for receiving the tube segments, the bore walls being free from projections to fit tightly against the tube segments. A longitudinally distal annular recess of the cap may be threaded to be secured to a component. In another alternative, caps having separate apertures for receiving attachment elements to secure the cap and the component are disclosed. Caps configured with a bore for receiving a tube segment, and separate apertures for receiving attachment pins are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible connector comprises a length of corrugated tubing having a distal end and an end piece having a proximal end. The proximal end of the end piece is engaged with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing and a length of polymeric tubing is utilized to initially retain the end piece and the length of corrugated tubing in engagement with one another. A length of mesh tubing may be extended along the length of corrugated tubing and around the exterior of the length of polymeric tubing. A sleeve is positioned in alignment with the length of polymeric tubing, with the proximal end of the end piece, and with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing. The sleeve is crimped to permanently retain the proximal end of the end piece in engagement with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing.

Abstract: A tube fitting for a tube end has a female threaded member that cooperates with a male threaded member. The female member includes a tube gripping device in the form of a gripping ring or ferrule that is attached to the female member by a frangible web. Upon a partial pull-up the ferrule engages a camming surface on the male threaded member and breaks off or separates from the female threaded member to become a separate piece so that the fitting then functions as a single ferrule tube fitting. Additional features include a steep camming angle on the camming surface to cause the ferrule to grip the tube end with a bite-type action and to form a primary seal between the camming surface and a front end of the separated ferrule. The ferrule front end, and optionally the entire female threaded member including the initially integral tube gripping device, are hardened to be at least about 3.3 times harder than the material of the tube end.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling pipes made of dissimilar materials in applications that are subject to large variations in temperature. In one embodiment, a connection comprises a first flange made of a first material and a second flange made of a second material. Each flange is designed to be welded to a pipe of the same material. One of the flanges has a male mating surface, while the other flanges as a female mating surface. The male flange is made of the material that experiences greater expansion or less contraction when the temperature of the connection is changed from a connection temperature to an operating temperature. The female flange is made of the other material. A sealing ring having elastic properties is preferably used between the mating surfaces of the flanges.

Abstract: A tube joint for connecting two pipes comprises two enlarged openings formed at two pipes to be connected; a sealing pad between the two enlarged openings; each of two ends of the sealing pad are formed with a reduced stepped portion; a shape of the stepped portion being matched to the enlarged openings so as to be received in the enlarged opening; thereby the stepped portion can seal the enlarged opening; a middle section of the sealing pad being between the two reduced stepped portion and being protruded between the two enlarged openings; and two covering plates. Each covering plate encloses around a periphery of the enlarged opening and a periphery of the middle section of the sealing pad. Two first annular lips are installed around an outer periphery of the stepped portions of the sealing pad, and each sealing pad may be formed with a second annular lip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive train for the transmission of a variable power at a variable input speed for a power-generating station that is driven by a turbomachine, such as a wind turbine or a water turbine. The drive train has a power-split transmission for distributing the power to at least one first power branch and at least one second power branch. The first power branch at least indirectly drives an electric generator, while a connection is established between the first power branch and the second power branch by means of a hydrodynamic circuit, which is disposed at the output end of the power-split transmission. The power flow is influenced in such a way by the hydrodynamic circuit that the speed at which the electric generator is driven is substantially constant.

Abstract: In an energy recovery system based on relative movement between a fixed part and a mobile part connected by flexible connecting means, the flexible link is made so as to provide variable mechanical stiffness, for example due to the presence of repulsive elements or use outside the linear range. Thus, more compact vibrational mechanical energy recovery systems can be made, with a widened usage range, that are more robust than existing systems.

Abstract: An energy recovery system, for extracting energy from a source of waste heat (e.g., hot waste fluid from small industrial installations, automotive combustion engines, etc.) the system being a closed Rankine cycle system with a circulating working fluid.

Abstract: The underwater electrical generator includes a stator core and counter-rotating turbine blades with permanent magnets in the hubs and windings in the core housing. When tethered by the nose of the housing, the water current rotates the turbine blades generating electrical current which is supplied for commercial use via the tether to a land-based utility. Ballast tanks are provided to maintain the generator at a predetermined depth. Small stator windings and permanent magnets are provided in the rotating hubs and core housing respectively to charge batteries in the hubs for altering the pitch of the blades such that the blades can be feathered for maintenance outages.

Abstract: A quick cam latch mechanism having an operatively coupled bolt and cam assembly disposed in a latch housing. A handle is coupled to the cam assembly for moving the bolt between an extended or engaged position and a retracted or disengaged position. The cam assembly includes a primary cam operatively coupled to a secondary cam or linkage that is in turn operatively coupled to the bolt. Rotation of the primary cam translates into increased pivoting of the linkage and thereby increased retraction of the bolt. As a result, less rotation of primary cam is needed to retract the bolt. In an example embodiment of the invention, at least two linkages are utilized to quickly retract the bolt regardless of the direction of rotation of the handle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lock with a latch and a ratchet, the latch being movable out of a fully latched position into a release position and vice versa, and the ratchet being movable out of an engagement position which keeps the latch in the fully latched position into a raised position which releases the latch, and optionally, into an overtravel position and vice versa. To achieve reliable opening, a forced opening mechanism is provide which is actuated by the movement of the ratchet or of the drive which moves the ratchet, and the ratchet or the drive causes the forced opening mechanism to positively engages the latch or an element which is dynamically connected to the latch so as to forcibly move the latch toward the release position.

Abstract: A magnetic entry system utilizes opposing polar magnets. At least one of the magnets is rotatable between a first position in which poles of the magnets attract and a second position in which poles of the magnets repel. The magnets are positioned with respect to one another such that the magnets must be pulled apart along a line of travel that is generally normal to planar opposing surfaces of the mangets.

Abstract: An anti-spin security seal includes a locking member having a locking end, and an end piece. The end piece includes a locking body and a cover element. The locking body receives the locking end of the locking member therein to substantially secure the end piece to the locking member. The cover element receives the locking body therein and substantially encases the locking body therein. The cover element is loosely positioned about the locking body so that, when the cover element is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the locking body, rotation of the cover element is not readily imparted to the locking body.

Abstract: A non-handed actuator for window locks of the type in which a lock control member is moved by the actuator to control the locking of a window sash to a window frame. The actuator includes a housing base that is securable to the window frame and a handle is secured to the base for pivoting about a first axis and a drive link is secured for pivoting with the handle. A connecting link is securable at its distal end to the lock control member of a window lock. The connecting link is pivotally secured at its proximal end to the drive link. The connecting link is provided as a selectable pair which are generally a mirror image of each other, one provided and dimensioned for right-hand operation of the lock control member and the other provided for left-hand operation of a lock control. The unneeded connecting link is discarded. The connecting links are generally L-shaped so that the proximal end of the connecting link is received in a cavity provided in the base.

Abstract: A non-metallic adapter provided to facilitate the rotation of a doorknob is formed with a cap adapted to receive a doorknob. A lever extends outwardly from the cap. The lever is formed with an internal cavity provided with a plurality of reinforcing members separating the cavity into a plurality of substantially isolated reinforced regions.

Abstract: An inflatable bumper car has an inflatable structure having a seating area and a lower cavity. The frame structure fits within the lower cavity of the inflatable structure. The steering wheel has an electrical control. The wheels are mounted on the frame structure. Optionally, the inflatable bumper car has a separately inflatable seat cell and a separately inflatable skirt cell that substantially surrounds the car. The bumper car has a battery, motor and steering wheel.

Abstract: The invention is related to a kinetic energy absorber, particularly useful for large mobile objects, applicable as a bumper in cars, elevators, rail-cars, quays and other objects susceptible to the effects of sudden collisions. It is characterized by the use of a rotor (4) connected to a bumper (6) through a multiplying gear (2).

Abstract: Detachable Clearance Wands are disclosed. The wands provide a driver of a large vehicle having slideout compartments with a clear dimension for the extension length of the slideout. The wands are attachable to the vehicle's side prior to parking it to provide the extension length without risk of damage to the slideout. The wands are length-adjustable so that they can be configured for any length slideout.

Abstract: A receiver pin is provided for attaching a ball mount to a receiver on a vehicle. The receiver pin includes a body having an insertion portion and a retaining portion. The insertion portion is sized for insertion through aligned openings in the ball mount and the receiver. The retaining portion extends at least partially laterally from a proximal end of the insertion portion for limiting axial movement of the inserted body in a first direction. The insertion portion also includes a transverse receiving aperture at a distal end for receiving a retaining clip to limit axial movement of the inserted body in a second direction.

Abstract: A loading space protection device includes at least one winding shaft which is rotatably mounted between two end caps, the end caps securing the unit composed of the winding shaft and end caps in vehicle-end securing receptacles. The winding shaft is surrounded, in a region between the end caps, by a housing which includes at least one outlet slot for a flexible planar structure which is secured on the winding shaft in such a way that it can be wound on and unwound. The end caps are configured in their end edge region which adjoins the housing in such a way that their external contour merges in an aligned fashion with the external contour of the housing. Plugs are provided at the end edge regions of the end caps and/or at corresponding end sides of the housing and permit the end caps to be attached to the housing in a centered fashion.

Abstract: A drawer assembly for vehicles, and more particularly to a system of opposed drawers for use in a vehicle or trailer. The drawers integrate into the structure of a vehicle for storage or concealment of the retractable features, and can cantilever out and away from the storage compartment, when the drawers extend. The drawer assembly includes an upper drawer and a lower drawer, the bottom or pan of the upper drawer bottom located in substantially the same horizontal plane as the bottom of the lower drawer. An upper drawer rail mounts to the upper drawer and a lower drawer rail mounts to the lower drawer. The upper and lower drawer rails have a rail length greater than the drawer length.

Abstract: A cargo deck, including a deck substrate supporting structural frame having a front end, a rear end, and opposed sides. The structural frame is formed from a least two “H” section cross-members consisting of elongated square tubing having opposed pairs of parallel flanges which form an “H” shaped cross-section, receiver channels being defined by the opposed pairs of parallel flanges. Longitudinally oriented square connective tubing has opposed ends secured within the receiver channels of the “H” section cross-members. Longitudinally oriented “Z” section beams are secured to an underside of the square connective tubing and the “H” section cross-members. An underlying support structure is secured to the “Z” section beams. This cargo deck configuration requires less welding, and allows the cargo deck assembly to be reduced for shipping.

Abstract: A drawer assembly for vehicles, and more particularly to a system of opposed drawers for use in a vehicle or trailer, the drawers integrated into the structure of a vehicle for storage or concealment of the retractable features. The drawer assembly includes an upper drawer and a lower drawer, the bottom or pan of the upper drawer bottom located in substantially the same horizontal plane as the bottom or pan of the lower drawer, and with an upper drawer rail mounted to the upper drawer and a lower drawer rail mounted to the lower drawer. The upper and lower drawer rails having a rail length greater than the length of the drawer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle glove box. The vehicle glove box has a rotary-type partition received to divide the interior of the glove box in a simplified manner. The rotary-type partition can be easily moved from its rest position to its operating position, or vice versa, with single manual operation.

Abstract: A sound absorbing structure for an automobile having a seating portion, an upper surface of which serves as a passenger seating surface in the cabin, the structure includes an interior base material provided on a cabin side of a body panel; the interior base material forming a side face when seen from a passenger seated on the seating portion; the interior base material having a recessed portion formed in the cabin side of the interior base material; the recessed portion formed on an upper side of the seating surface; and a sound absorbing material buried in the recessed portion. An automobile sun visor includes a plate-form core material; an air-permeable cushioning material covering a surface of the core material; and the plate-form core material having a large number of air holes penetrating in a thickness direction formed in a dispersed manner.

Abstract: A tailgate recliner chair to be secured to the tailgate of a pickup truck. The chair includes a padded seat portion, a padded backrest which can be reclined by a user, a leg support and foot support which can be elevated by a user. The recliner chair is secured to the tailgate via a strap wrapped around the tailgate and secured to a base under the seat portion.

Abstract: A suspension system for an “All Belts To Seat” or “ABTS” style seat is provided that includes a floor bracket, seat bracket, and an equalizing bracket. Means for allowing motion between the seat bracket and floor bracket is provided by a set of cams. The equalizing bracket connects the cams and ensures synchronized rotation. The height of the seat bracket is adjustable with respect to the floor bracket by means of an air spring, and motion between the two brackets is dampened by an interconnected shock absorber.

Abstract: In a control process and control device for motor vehicles with an unfoldable roof, in which at least one roof part or a lid is moved in at least one movement phase defined by a displacement path for the roof part or the lid, the displacement path is bounded by two end positions. By way of an electronic control device, the displacement device for the movement of the roof part or of the lid is actuated such that the speed at which the roof part or the lid is moved is smaller for a first path segment beginning the displacement path and for a second path segment ending the displacement path than the speed for the path segment between the first path segment and the second path segment.

Abstract: A protective cover for covering at least a portion of an external surface of a motor vehicle, the protective cover includes a first segment comprising a pliable material configured to cover at least a portion of a first external surface of the motor vehicle. The first external surface is disposed substantially on a first side of a reference plane centrally positioned between two opposing lateral sides of the motor vehicle and extending between a front end and a rear end of the motor vehicle. The protective cover further includes a second segment comprising a pliable material configured to cover at least a portion of a second external surface of the motor vehicle, wherein the second external surface is disposed substantially on a second side of the reference plane and extends between the front end and the rear end of the motor vehicle. The first and second segments are positioned adjacent to one another on opposing sides of the reference plane.

Abstract: Previously used packing and shipping material, including foam based packaging and support products, may be recycled in a manner so as to reduce the manufacturing costs associated with insulating the structural enclosures of recreational vehicles. By finely shredding pieces of recycled packing material, an adaptive insulation material may be produced such that, when introduced into spatial cavities within structural enclosures of recreational vehicles using, for example, forced air, the adaptive insulation material substantially conforms to regular and irregular contoured structures. Utilizing recycled packing materials as insulation provides many advantages which result in an effective and valuable means for reducing production costs, reducing adverse environmental impact, and maintaining insulation efficiency of recreational vehicles.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes a hull coupled to a chassis where the hull is formed by coupling pre-formed panels together using two piece channel members, and/or the chassis is formed by mechanically coupling pre-formed segments together. In some instances, the two piece channel members will interconnect substantially perpendicular panels such as by coupling wall panels to a floor panel, to a ceiling panel, and to adjacent wall panels. Such a vehicle can be quickly assembled from space efficient pre-formed pieces by lower skilled assemblers than are typically required in manufacturing a recreational vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (12) for covering the track joint between the rotary plate (7) and the bellows of the connection (1) between two hinge-linked vehicle sections (3a, 3b), said bellows comprising two side walls (2a) that are joined together through a bellows roof (2c) at least, said track joint cover (12) having, like the bellows of said connection (1), singular corrugations or pleats (13), neighboring corrugations or pleats (13) being joined together by clamping ledges (16) in the region of their one apex at least, and the clamping ledges (16) being fastened at their one end at least to the side wall (2a) of the bellows (2) so as to be vertically movable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an opening device for a flap of a vehicle, in particular for a rear flap, which can be pivoted about a horizontal pivot axis on the upper edge of an opening in the vehicle body from a downwardly directed closed position into an upwardly directed open position. It has a gas-filled spring coupled to the body by the free end of its piston rod at a distance from the pivot axis and coupled to the flap by its pressure tube at a distance from the pivot axis. In this case, the gas-filled spring in the extension direction applies a force to the flap in the opening direction. Furthermore, there is an actuator by means of which a torque can act on the flap in the opening direction. The actuator is an energy accumulator which, from its tensioned position, applies a force to the flap during its opening stroke from the closed position until a relaxed position of the energy accumulator is reached.

Abstract: A water drainage structure is provided to prevent drainage water from getting on hot components inside the engine compartment and suppress the occurrence of evaporation noise. At least one water drainage opening is provided in a bottom portion of a vehicle member arranged on the under surface of a floor panel of a vehicle. The downstream end portion of a water drainage pipe is arranged to communicate with the inside of a closed cross sectional structure formed by the floor panel and the vehicle member. Drainage water from a vehicle device flows out of the downstream end portion of the water drainage pipe and is discharged to the outside of the vehicle through the water drainage openings of the vehicle member. As a result, the drainage water is prevented from getting on hot components inside the engine compartment of the vehicle and the occurrence of evaporation noise is suppressed.

Abstract: The headliner comprises guiding means (2) for a concealing element (3), part of a system for concealing a transparent element provided in the roof of a vehicle, guiding means (2) that are disposed in line with the perimeter of at least one opening (4) in said interior lining trim (1) provided to match up with the transparent element in the roof of the vehicle. The guiding means (2) are connected up and supported by said interior lining trim (1), said guiding means (2) acting as a reinforcement element so as to form a strong assembly, which supports the weight of the concealing system and the stresses generated during its operation, together with the interior lining trim (1).

Abstract: A combination step stool and mechanic's seat in the form of a molded plastic, generally parallelepiped configuration includes a seat on one side supported on casters on the opposite side with a step stool surface adjacent the backside of the seat and spaced from a front side surface of the seat which includes a recess tray for tools and other items.

Abstract: A blanket for a chair occupant, the chair having a seat and a back. The blanket includes an upper end, a lower end, opposing sides, an outer surface to be placed onto the seat of the chair, an inner surface on which the occupant sits, and a connector for connecting the opposing sides over the occupant when the occupant is seated onto the inner surface of the blanket. Preferably, an attachment device is provided for releasably securing the blanket to the chair before the occupant is seated. A method for covering a wheelchair occupant is also provided, having the steps of providing the blanket, placing the blanket over the seat of a wheelchair, attaching a flap on the upper end of the blanket to the wheelchair to keep the blanket from shifting, seating the occupant onto the blanket in the wheelchair, folding the opposing sides of the blanket over the occupant, and zipping the opposing sides together.

Abstract: A case (1), such as a suitcase or trolley case, with a seat (6) is disclosed. The case has a channel (7A, 7B) provided near or along a surface (such as the rear surface 4B) of the case, and the seat is movable between a first stowed position in which the seat is held within the channel and a second seating position in which at least part of the seat lies substantially flat along the top surface (4C) of the case. The seat may be stowed within a pocket (5) along the surface of the case, with the channel being housed inside the pocket. Alternatively, the surface of the seat may also act as the case surface when the seat is in the stowed position.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a seat caddy having a single manipulation point for manipulating the fitting of the seat caddy to a suitable seat, such as a stadium seat or a lawn chair. Having a single adjustment point allows a user to more easily adjust and manipulate the seat caddy when engaging or disengaging a stadium seat and the like. Such a seat caddy allows for a simple cinching or uncinching of an adjustable cord when setting or removing the seat caddy when being used.

Abstract: The “Seat Sock” is a protective covering to slip over the back of a movie/theater seat to act as a personal barrier between the user and the surface of the seat back. The “Seat Sock” affords reassurance for those who are apprehensive of putting their heads back against a seat that multiple persons have used previously. The “Seat Sock” is easily removed, folded, rolled up and secured for easy storage.

Abstract: A juvenile relaxation apparatus includes a juvenile holder including a seat and a frame adapted to set on an underlying floor surface. The juvenile holder is either a bouncer, rocker, lounger, crib, bassinet, cradle, or other juvenile seat. The juvenile relaxation apparatus further includes a rocker blade and a rocker motion system coupled to the rocker blade. The rocker motion system produces side-to-side rocking motion of the rocker blade and frame.

Abstract: A boat seat is provided with a generally horizontally disposed forward extension to support the occupant while seated and which can be pivotally swung upward to a generally vertical position to provide room forward of the seat for the occupant to stand and provide a back rest for the person to lean against while standing.